Environmental hazards: Nigeria must envision future without plastics – UNDP GEF
Nigeria Urged to Envision a Plastic-Free Future
ABUJA — The United Nations Development Programme’s Global Environmental Facility (UNDP GEF) Small Grant Programme is pushing Nigeria to consider a future without plastic.
Ibironke Olubamise, the national coordinator of the UNDP GEF, emphasized the importance of innovative solutions among the nation’s youth to help eliminate reliance on plastics. She also called on government officials, organizations, and individuals to initiate measures aimed at phasing out plastic consumption.
While recognizing the global prevalence of plastic, Olubamise stressed the need for effective management and repurposing strategies to mitigate risks to human health associated with plastic waste.
During a program focused on solutions for plastic waste held in Abuja on Wednesday, Olubamise encouraged young attendees to think about upstream solutions, which involve addressing the issues related to plastic production.
She remarked, “Consider also downstream solutions, which pertain to what we do after plastic has been produced. This is equally important, as many companies continue to engage in plastic production.”
Olubamise acknowledged that plastic is deeply embedded in various aspects of daily life, urging participants to persevere in their search for viable solutions. “You never know what opportunities may arise,” she added, expressing gratitude to organizers and participants for their engagement in the event.
